I’m updating my resume after years of never needing one. I’ve been advised to not go back too far and to stick with my recent work history. I’ve had a long career and think it’s important to represent these experiences. How far back do you think I should go?

 Deb's Answer:

They don’t call it history for nothing; by its very nature, your work history will take you on a trip back in time. If you’re looking for a set number, some resume gurus draw a hard line at 10 years, while others more loosely suggest going back no more than15-20 years, as long as the resume doesn’t exceed two pages.

Instead of looking for a magic number, evaluate if going back further than recent experiences will work in your favor. To facilitate your decision making, apply these three questions to optimize each entry:

Does it support your objective and the employer’s requirements? Focus on the most recent and the most relevant. Hiring managers always looks through the filter of their own needs. Only reach back to twenty years of experience if it represents complementary roles or increasing levels of responsibility that support your objective and address the requirements of the position you’re seeking. Also consider abbreviating and listing collectively those value-added experiences that go back a ways.

Is it likely to screen you in? Refrain from including information that might weaken your candidacy. The danger in going back too far is that the entries can start to work against you. You risk boring the reader with redundancy or triggering age prejudice.

Does it differentiate you? If you have experience from fifteen years ago that sets you apart in a positive light, by all means put it on your resume. A complementary skill set, hard-to-find experience or a best brand employer are all impressive entries to include in your work history. Anything that adds a unique and desirable twist to your profile is worthy of your resume.